Graphical glossaries of the parts of Japanese sword blades and types of sword mounts including katana
and tachi. Major shapes of Japanese sword blades, types of sword flaws, styles of hamon,
hada, boshi and nakago. Unusual styles of tanto, including
rare kubikiri tanto. Glossary of naginata and yari.

Listing of Japanese sword study groups around the world. Calendar of
sword events. Information on
Japanese sword email discussion groups and online message boards.
Extensive list of reference books and links to online bookstores.

WWW links to other sites concerning Japanese swords, in English,
Japanese and other languages. Links to sites concerning Japanese sword
martial arts. Links to sites concerning other types of swords.
Over 200 linked sites.

Major eras of Japanese history and periods of the Japanese sword.
Introduction to Japanese sword care. NBTHK sword care guide. Sword
inventory record sheet. Instructions on wrapping sageo. Authentic,
antique or modern reproduction? Authentication papers (origami).
Cutting Tests.

Articles by Clive Sinclaire, president and former secretary of the Token Society of Great Britain, on modern
Japanese swords, shinken (live swords in iai practice), Japanese sword mounts, Hizen school swords
and how to judge a Japanese sword.

Entire pages or selected text from this site can be translated into Spanish, French, German, Portuguese,
Korean, Japanese, Italian or other languages by various translation engines on the 'net

I will not attempt to do appraisals online, by email or by phone. There
are too many variables to consider when attempting to judge a Japanese
sword to allow for "remote" appraisals. Anyone attempting to do so is
most likely giving bad advice and/or after your sword.
If you have questions, check the frequently asked questions (FAQ) page or sign-up for the
Nihonto Message Board.

Legal Disclaimer: The study and collecting of Japanese swords is a
very complex area. Much experience is
needed to properly judge the quality of a sword. The author of and
contributors to this website assume no responsibility, financial
or otherwise, incurred by the use of the material and information on
this website. Every attempt has been made to
insure the accuracy of the material included on this site, but the
reader uses this material at their own risk. See also disclaimer
about online auctions.